DEBATING
Debating Matters…
The Loreto Debating Group was formed in September 2019 by Mrs McGirr, who has a long-standing interest in debating stemming for her own involvement in a debating society at school some years ago! She has experienced many long-term benefits from having participated in debating as a school-girl and is keen that the pupils at Loreto also have the opportunity to try it out. Put simply – debating matters because ideas matter. Debating is a skill that fosters intellectual curiosity, encourages rigorous research and creates an environment which encourages deeper levels of knowledge and understanding about political, social and cultural issues. It also develops high-level communication skills, building confidence to speak in public and developing the art of persuasive writing and speaking. These skills are prized by universities and employers.
The ‘Concern’ debating competition, in which the debating team are currently participating, is organised by the charity ‘Concern’ and is a well-established all-island debating competition, running for over 30 years. The girls compete in teams of four speakers in each debate, on rotation, and are supported by the other members of the debating team, as researchers. The motions for debate are set by Concern and explore issues relating to development education, poverty, environment and security, and foster active citizenship principles. The preparation for the debates is carried out at after-school meetings, and also at home by the girls involved. There is usually a flurry of emails coming up to debate nights!
Since September, the girls have participated in two workshops – one on debating generally and the other on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals – and in two ‘away’ debates and one ‘home’ debate, against St Patrick’s College, Maghera, Finn Valley College, Stranorlar, St Columba’s College, Stranorlar, respectively. The debates take place in the evening time; we have really enjoyed the ‘craic’ on the bus to the ‘away’ debates and it has been a lovely opportunity for the girls to meet pupils in other schools.
Debating Success at Queen’s University Literific Competition
Loreto students showcase sharp thinking, confidence, and collaboration on a prestigious debating stage
This February, I was amongst the senior debating team who had the privilege of participating in the Queen’s University Literific Debating Competition. Alongside a range of schools from across Northern Ireland, we united to share in an enriching experience that fostered spontaneity of thought, originality of argument, and riveting rhetoric.
Our journey to Belfast was fraught with a sprinkling of nerves and the simmering desire for success. Although bleary-eyed from early starts and tiring journeys, our spirits were not to be dampened, and Vilte, Jessica, Zenalia, and I arrived to eagerly take up arms across three motions. These involved a pre-set topic on the successes and failures of Keir Starmer’s Government (where the atmosphere remained civil even when shot through with politically centred debate!), before progressing to our unprepared subjects on the dangers of technology and the merits of life in Northern Ireland.
The trip was made memorable by a unique opportunity to meet with our peers and initiate a sense of camaraderie which would prevail throughout the day. Many memories and friendships were formed during a competition that also made time for healthy rivalry, and it would be remiss of me to omit Loreto becoming the first Tyrone school to participate in Literific history.
Our valiant efforts were duly rewarded, as myself and Zenalia were one of four teams to qualify for the Grand Final at Stormont held the following month. Our anticipation was amplified, and the pounding of our hearts practically audible as we entered the historic parliamentary chambers, with the cloak of responsibility to do our school proud draped across our shoulders. In a high-stakes, competitive debate that hinged on the highly pertinent topic of relations between Europe and America, we placed 2nd overall.
It was an honour indeed to join the ranks of those who have contributed to Loreto’s long history of excellence in debating, and I am confident that this competition, as well as those still to follow, will become the golden thread in the tapestry of our Loreto journey.
Isabella Coughlan
